PNP 8 to hold muzzle-taping of firearms for New Year

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
December 22, 2011

CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Campetic, Palo, Leyte  –  With just few days before New Year’s Eve, the Eastern Visayas police personnel is set to tape the muzzles of their firearms to make sure it will not be used for the New Year revelry.

A simultaneous taping of muzzles of issued firearms on December 27, 2011 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning inside the PNP-8 Camp, Police Superintendent Elizar Egloso PNP-8 chief of the police community relations, said.

The Chief of Regional Headquarters Support Group in coordination with Regional Personnel Human Resource Doctrine Division and Regional Logistics Division shall spearhead the said ceremonial taping of muzzles of issued firearms.

This is pursuant to the memorandum of PDG Nicanor A. Bartolome and with the letter of instruction of PCSupt. Arnold Revilla, PNP Region 8 director.

The order is for the PNP 8 police personnel to implement proactive measures against the indiscriminate firing of firearms during the celebration of the Yuletide Season.

To recall, most often, the indiscriminate firing of guns have caused serious injuries and loss of lives to hapless civilians.

It may be recalled that weeks before the Christian world celebrates Christmas and New Year, PNP Chief PDG Nicanor A Bartolome issued a stern warning on indiscriminate and illegal discharge of firearms by government and civilian gunholders.

The 140,000-strong police force will be putting their guns on “silent mode” before and after Christmas and New Year celebrations as they will tape their guns to show their support to the government’s campaign to prevent firearms and firecrackers injuries which may lead to death and loss of properties as millions of Filipinos celebrate the yuletide season.

PDG Bartolome said the muzzle taping will be done as a measure and to remind all PNP personnel to refrain from firing their guns during the yuletide celebrations.

Bartolome had already issued LOI 42/2011 in order to warn PNP personnel of getting heavy punishment for illegal discharge and indiscriminate firing of guns on and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.